PDEXCIL, AWARE partner to help Indian powerloom sector comply with EU traceability rules

By: Jangoulun Singsit | Just Style

The Powerloom Development & Export Promotion Council (PDEXCIL) and AWARE have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) at Bharat Tex 2026 in New Delhi to support Indian powerloom operators in meeting upcoming European Union digital product passport (DPP) regulations.

Background

Under the EU's Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation, new DPP requirements will soon make traceability mandatory for high-priority product groups, including textiles. Indian powerloom operators—positioned at the early stages of the global textile supply chain—are increasingly expected to provide reliable, portable documentation on material origin, composition, and production history when exporting internationally.

Key Statements

K. Sakthivel, Chairman of PDEXCIL, stated:

"The EU Digital Product Passport will bring significant changes to the way textile products and production data are presented in international markets. Through this collaboration, we aim to help Indian powerloom producers strengthen their traceability capabilities, prepare for emerging requirements and improve their competitiveness while retaining ownership of their data."

Technology and Approach

AWARE, an Amsterdam-based data infrastructure provider, brings blockchain-anchored tokenisation technology to the partnership. Key features include:

• Creation of a unique data token for each production batch
• Authenticated information on material origin, composition, and credentials
• Continuous linkage to the physical product throughout the supply chain
• Support for digital records such as blockchain-based Crypto TCs
• Foundation for the DPP system

Feico van der Veen, Founder and Managing Director of AWARE, commented:

"Everyone else built for the brands. We built for the producers. India's powerloom sector is where a large part of the world's textiles begins. The data must start here and travel with the goods, not be reconstructed later. In a world where an unverifiable claim can become a legal liability, verified, producer-owned data is not simply a feature. It is access to the market."

Implementation Plan

Under the MoU, PDEXCIL will:

• Introduce AWARE technology to its membership base
• Support awareness, education, and adoption within the sector
• Organise workshops, training sessions, webinars, and regular communications

In return, AWARE will offer:

• Preferential terms
• Onboarding support
• Technical assistance to verified PDEXCIL members

Data Sovereignty

Data sovereignty remains a central principle of the collaboration. Producers will maintain control and ownership of their supply chain data.

Next Steps

Initial implementation projects are expected to launch shortly with selected PDEXCIL member units. Both parties aim to help India's powerloom sector adapt to evolving international due diligence and market compliance standards.

This article was originally created and published by Just Style, a GlobalData owned brand.